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Culturefest is on the radio! “Gabfest Radio” combines Slate’s Culture and Political Gabfests in one show—listen on Saturdays at 7 a.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. on WNYC’s AM820.

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On this week’s Culturefest, our critics discuss the incredible performances in Michael Haneke’s Amour and how the movie departs from the confrontational style that has become Haneke’s hallmark. The Gabfesters then delve into Kathryn Schulz’s New York article about the self in “self-help,” pondering the genesis of the modern self-help movement and the efficacy of its accompanying literary genre. Finally, the critics discuss Special Special Special! the new stand-up comedy hour from Maria Bamford. They consider her dark wackiness and how her material about her own mental illness makes for a compelling (though not necessarily laugh-out-loud-funny) set.

Julia’s pick: Really excellent cornbread with just right density and heft. This recipe from the Cambridge restaurant East Coast Grill, reprinted by Sam Sifton in the New York Times, will make you feel like a prairie frontierswoman.

Stephen’s pick: English singer songwriter Labi Siffre whose 1970’s songs have been sampled by Kanye West and Eminem.